Common Conditions

Visual Porn Linked to Unrealistic Expectations in the Bedroom

They discovered that women who viewed pornography tended to have higher performance expectations of their partners. For example, they might expect intercourse to last longer, if that is what they see in porn videos.

Male pornography viewers were more likely to become distracted by body- and performance-related issues during sex.

The study authors pointed out that “literary” pornography did not seem to influence expectations.

“The results of this investigation suggest that individuals who consume visual pornography may experience some forms of sexual insecurity or sexual expectations related to their pornography use,” the authors wrote, adding that pornography isn’t always the culprit.

Still, pornography has been linked to poor genital body image in women, with some women seeking cosmetic surgery because they consider their genitals to be unattractive. And men may develop erection problems during partnered sex because they need the extra stimulation of porn.

Resources

The Canadian Journal of Human Sexuality

Goldsmith, Kaitlyn, et al.

“Pornography consumption and its association with sexual concerns and expectations among young men and women”